Esports World Cup Relocates to Paris for 2026 Amid Middle East Tensions

The 2026 Esports World Cup, the largest global video‑game tournament, will be held in Paris, France, from 6 July to 23 August 2026 after organizers moved the event from Riyadh due to escalating regional conflict in the Middle East. Over 2,000 players representing 200 clubs from more than 100 countries will compete across 24 titles, including League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter‑Strike 2 and Valorant, for a total prize pool exceeding $75 million.

Saudi Arabia’s Esports Foundation, backed by the kingdom’s sovereign‑wealth fund, cited travel disruptions and safety concerns as the primary reason for the shift, while also noting Paris’s strong esports fan base. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the tournament, describing it as a historic first and highlighting its expected boost to tourism in the Paris region. The foundation indicated that the event is part of a rotating schedule and plans to return to Riyadh for the 2027 edition.